Victor Hugo once said "There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come." Today, this applies to the concept of intergenerational justice.

As a key phrase „Intergenerational Justice“ found its way into political and social discourse a long time ago. The phrase is used in UN-Declarations and on talk shows in conjunction with the greenhouse effect, holes in the ozone layer, atomic waste and also unemployment. However, a clear definition and a serious discussion regarding “Intergenerational Justice” is still lacking.

This is why FRFG organised a symposium around the theme in July 2002. The aim was to further the political and academic interest, and to incentivise ordinary citizens, especially young adults, to engage with the complex theme of Intergenerational Justice.

Tutzing Castle was the ideal setting to house the conference.

Summary

About 80 attendees (60 participants, plus speakers and journalists) took up the invitation to participate in a programme that promised to be exciting: Podium discussions about the anchoring of intergenerational justice in the constitution as well as about the general definition of the term, a broad range of workshops and the presentation of the first intergenerational justice prize.

The setting, a castle situated directly by the Stamberger Lake, and the wonderful weather, were pleasant surprises for all participants and speakers, who made use of the refreshment provided by a dip in the Lake over the next few days. In the evening most participants met in the bar for a beer or a coke, and discussed the issues that had been presented in the day until late in the night.

The Symposium was therefore not only a success in view of its contents, but also because it gave people the chance to meet others with similar interests. Free time was skilfully interspersed with meetings, making the symposium worthwhile in more than one aspect.